Geelong College refers Robert Doyle claims to police
A TOP Victorian school passed information to police in 2015 about then Lord Mayor Robert Doyle after former students complained of “questionable behaviour” during his time as a teacher.
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A TOP Victorian school passed information to police in 2015 about then Lord Mayor Robert Doyle after former students complained of “questionable behaviour” during his time as a teacher.
Victoria Police’s SANO Taskforce received the tip about Mr Doyle but did not proceed with an investigation, on the grounds that there was not yet enough information to trigger a police probe.
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ROBERT DOYLE QUITS AS CITY OF MELBOURNE LORD MAYOR
Geelong College revealed on Thursday it had referred claims by two former students to police
It comes amid a two-month sexual harassment scandal that has triggered Mr Doyle’s resignation.
“Geelong College has provided information to the police who will determine whether an official investigation is warranted,” Geelong College principal Dr Peter Miller said.
“Two former students contacted the Geelong College through our independent facilitator, informing us of their personal experiences of questionable behaviour by Robert Doyle while he was a teacher at the school. The school provided that information to the police.”
Police sources have told the Herald Sun that the investigation remains dormant in its files but can be reignited should the victims make an official statement or fresh information surfaces
TIMELINE OF THE TOWN HALL HARASSMENT SCANDAL
The complaints were made to independent facilitator, Pauline Ryan, who the private elite college hired to assist with historical misconduct, sexual assault and harassment allegations.
Geelong College principal Dr Peter Miller said the school itself would not conduct its own investigation into the claims.
“I would add that the Geelong College’s key concern is about the wellbeing of current and former students and we will continue to support and care for the students that came forward.”
Mr Doyle quit as Melbourne’s Lord Mayor on Sunday — seven weeks after the first allegations of sexual harassment were made against him.
He had been on leave of absence since former Team Doyle councillor Tessa Sullivan, who also resigned after levelling the allegations against him, including touching her breast.
The claims of indecent assault, misconduct and sexual harassment triggered a council probe, conducted by Ian Freckelton QC.
But the release of a draft copy of a report has now been delayed as Mr Doyle was hospitalised grappling with serious health issues.
The Herald Sun on Thursday broke the story online about the latest complaint to engulf the former Liberal Party Leader.
Mr Doyle was a teacher at the school between 1978 and 1981.
The Herald Sun is not suggesting the allegations are true, only that they have been made and referred to police.
Responding to the fresh allegations, Mr Doyle’s lawyer Nick Ruskin said: “We are completely unaware of this matter and have received no information about it. Our client remains in hospital.”
The Health Department has also launched a probe into Mr Doyle after allegations of sexual misconduct emerged against him in his role as Melbourne Health chairman. He later stood down from the role.
It has been alleged Mr Doyle inappropriately touched a woman at a Melbourne Hospital black-tie dinner in June 2016.
Submissions have also been made to the council initiated inquiry that Mr Doyle twice sexually harassed Greens councillor Cathy Oke.
Cr Doyle has strongly denied any wrongdoing and vowed to clear his name.
Mr Doyle’s wife Emma Page-Campbell is standing by him.
“He is a good and decent man. I love him,” she said this week.
“And because I love him, to watch and share what he has been through in the last seven weeks has been agony.”
Ms Ryan said confidentiality prohibited her discussing complaints that came through.
Do you know more? Email wendy.tuohy@news.com.au or aleks.devic@news.com.au.